Theoretical and Experimental Research on Energy Distribution Models during Hypervelocity Impacts

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analysis of energy distribution during hypervelocity impacts, based on theoretical insights and experimental data obtained from hypervelocity impact tests. We have developed an energy distribution model for hypervelocity impacts on semi-infinite aluminum targets. In our model, the kinetic energy of the projectile is categorized into four components: plastic deformation energy of the target plate, spalling energy of ejected debris, energy associated with temperature increase, and electromagnetic radiation energy. Our findings indicate that the majority of the projectile’s kinetic energy is converted into spalling and plastic deformation energies during the impact, with a smaller fraction being allocated to thermal and flash radiation energies. Notably, spalling energy constitutes 65% of the total kinetic energy dissipation, while plastic deformation accounts for 25%. Additionally, we have formulated an empirical model for flash radiation efficiency that takes into account the impact velocity and target thickness. This model is found to be in close agreement with our experimental outcomes, with an error margin maintained within 10%. The model developed in this paper holds significant implications for the development of space target damage assessment methodologies under over-the-horizon conditions.